Business networking across borders: A guide to international success

In business, who you know has always mattered, but in today’s global economy, where you know them can define your success. As markets expand and teams stretch across time zones, the ability to build authentic, cross-cultural relationships has become a cornerstone of effective leadership and long-term growth.

Exchanging business cards or adding LinkedIn contacts is just the beginning. True international networking means cultivating trust, understanding cultural dynamics, and creating connections.

In this blog post, we'll dissect what networking in business means, why global connections matter now more than ever, and how students in the University of Kansas online MBA program develop the skills to bridge cross-cultural divides.

What is networking in business?

At its core, business networking is about building relationships that create mutual value. Whether it’s exchanging knowledge, exploring partnerships, or identifying new markets, networking fuels professional and organizational development.

Locally, this might mean attending alumni events, joining professional associations, or connecting through your regional business community. These relationships can be easier to establish.

Global networking, however, operates on a broader and more nuanced stage. It involves navigating language differences, communication styles, and cultural expectations while remaining adaptable and open-minded. Understanding these dynamics expands your professional reach, deepens your cultural intelligence, and enhances your ability to collaborate across borders.

In the process, you’ll gain new perspectives and uncover opportunities that simply don’t exist within a single market. That’s the real value of connecting globally: it transforms how you think and do business.

What are the benefits of global networking?

International business networking is like a professional passport to global opportunity. By leveraging international networking, you'll:

• Spot trends before they hit your market
• Learn from industries that operate under different models or regulations
• Build credibility and visibility beyond your home country
• Connect with collaborators, mentors, and clients who add value in unexpected ways

Enterprises that reach out to the world define the game. According to research from Boston Consulting Group, companies with diverse leadership profit from it. On average, their revenue from new ideas is nearly 20% higher than that of their less diverse peers.¹ A 2023 McKinsey & Company report found that companies in the top tier for ethnic diversity are 39% more likely to outperform those at the bottom.²

Worldly leaders better understand emerging markets, know how to work with cross-cultural teams, and use diversity to their business's advantage. In the KU online MBA, the Managing Internationally course prepares students to apply these insights in real-world scenarios and capitalize on global networking business benefits.

Benefits of networking for students studying abroad

Enrolling in a study abroad program can give you a leg up when it comes to international networking. Not only do you make friends and learn how to adapt to other cultures, but you also start to build a professional foundation in other parts of the world.

Networking while studying abroad can lead to:

• Internships with multinational firms
• Mentorships from global executives
• Career opportunities in new markets

Studying abroad helps build cultural fluency, and employers value this skill. A 2021 study found that 44% of employers were much more likely to hire candidates with global learning experience on their resume.³

Cultivate these skills from anywhere through the KU online MBA program. You'll network with professionals with a shared ambition, from diverse backgrounds and industries, like engineering, finance, marketing, and more.

Navigating cultural norms and communication

Language barriers are only a small part of cross-cultural communication. How, when, and to whom you say something is as equally important as what you say.

In some cultures, business unfolds over shared meals and multiple meetings. Others value directness and efficiency. Understanding those differences is what defines cultural fluency.

Tone, eye contact, presentation, and other non-verbal cues are critical. Even the way you offer your business card can start you off on the wrong foot. In Japan, for instance, it's polite to present your card Japanese-side up with both hands while bowing.⁴ Receiving one demands the same etiquette and acknowledgment. These subtleties demonstrate respect.

Using technology for effective global networking

With more than two-thirds of the world using the internet,5 technology has erased borders. But only for those who use it wisely.

Digital tools like CRM systems, translation apps, and scheduling platforms keep international connections ticking across time zones. AI and data analytics also help professionals identify high-value contacts and precisely tailor outreach.

For KU online MBA students, theory takes a backseat to real-world application. Coursework emphasizes customer experience and relationship management, providing students insight into using data ethically and effectively on a global scale. Mastering the tech side of international business networking helps amplify human connection.

Sensitivity during global relationships

Every culture has its red lines. The best global networkers avoid overstepping them.

Cultural sensitivity means respecting people's lived experiences and understanding the political, religious, and social norms that shape them. Before hosting a meeting or sending a proposal, learn the basics of how people greet one another, what topics are off-limits, and even what holidays might pause communication.

The KU online MBA promotes sensitivity as a critical skill for navigating these gray areas. Students practice cultural intelligence that goes beyond business courtesy to respect.

People remember conscientious care and respect. And in business, being remembered for the right reasons matters.

Make business networking your global priority

At the core of international business networking is curiosity and follow-through. The curiosity sparks adaptability, and follow-through keeps the conversation going across time zones.

Students in the KU online MBA program learn both. Joining classmates from across industries and regions, they form collaborative connections that last long after completing the program and gain management skills that foster a global mindset.

Learn more about the KU experience and how its curriculum prepares leaders to think and connect globally. If you're ready to grow beyond borders, visit KU MBA Admissions to start your journey.

For more details, contact KU or schedule a consultation to talk to an admissions outreach advisor.